Job Description
Job Description
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
- Assist the Director of Education in managing daily operations of the educational program
- Oversee curriculum planning and ensure instruction aligns with state standards and student IEP goals
- Provide supervision, evaluation, and professional development for teaching staff
- Collaborate with clinical and residential departments to promote a cohesive and consistent educational experience
- Participate in the development and monitoring of IEPs and other educational documentation
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and agency policies
- Serves as behavioral resource for the Academy; consults with staff to prepare Functional Behavior Assessments to develop Behavior Intervention Plans; determines appropriate action in cases of serious behavioral incidents.
- Represents The Learning Center at PPT’s. Ensures appropriate educational discharge planning for students and coordinates educational programming through the PPT process.
- Fosters and maintains good public relations image consistent with the Connecticut Code of Professional Standards for School Administrators
- Assumes teaching responsibilities in a classroom when appropriate staffing needs to be ensured.
- Interviews new candidates for certified staff positions and provides feedback on candidates following interviews and shadowing experiences to the Director of Education.
- Attends all scheduled after school and evening Academy functions, as requested by the Director of Education.
- Act as a liaison with school districts, families, and external agencies as needed
- Promote a safe, structured, and therapeutic classroom environment
- Support continuous quality improvement initiatives across the education program
- Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT). Apply training techniques appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served, staff, and others in the environment. Demonstrate competency in de-escalation strategies, safe physical interventions, and adherence to agency protocols.
- Perform other duties as assigned
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES:
SKILLS
- Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and support educational staff
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with families, staff, and external stakeholders
- Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and timelines efficiently
- Problem-solving skills to analyze educational challenges and develop appropriate strategies
- Conflict resolution and crisis management skills within an educational setting
- Competency in using technology for administrative tasks, data collection, and instructional support
KNOWLEDGE
- In-depth understanding of special education laws and regulations (e.g., IDEA, FAPE, IEP process)
- Knowledge of evidence-based practices in special education and trauma-informed care
- Familiarity with the needs and learning styles of individuals with ASD and IDD
- Understanding of positive behavioral supports and functional behavior assessment
- Awareness of relevant accreditation and licensing standards for educational programs in therapeutic settings
- Knowledge of curriculum development and adaptation for diverse learners
ABILITIES
- Ability to implement and monitor individualized educational plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to provide professional development and coaching to instructional staff
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in education and care
- Ability to lead school operations in the absence of the Director of Education
- Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines to support the academic and emotional needs of students
- Ability to interpret and respond to data for continuous improvement of educational services
- Ability to remain flexible and adapt to evolving program needs
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Special Education, Education Administration, or related field
- Valid teaching and/or administrative certification (as applicable to the state)
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in special education or therapeutic educational settings
- Must hold Connecticut Department of Education, Intermediate Certification (092), as well as, Special Education or related services endorsement. Excellent written and verbal skills.
- Supervisory experience strongly preferred
- CPR/First Aid and other relevant certifications (or willingness to obtain)